Product description

A thousand years from now, our epoch will be remembered as the time when we first left the Earth and saw it from beyond the outermost planet as a pale blue dot, almost lost against the backdrop of the stars. As we complete the preliminary reconnaissance of our Solar System, we hunger for a long-term vision of the human future. Now, the astronomer who brought the Universe to so many people answers that call - suggesting that our very survival depends on the exploration and settlement of other worlds. Pale Blue Dot reveals how science has revolutionized our understanding of where we stand and who we are and challenges us to weigh what we will do with that knowledge. Emerging out of our sometimes reluctant recognition of our true place in the Cosmos comes a vision of an exhilarating future with a surprisingly spiritual impact.

Customer reviews

First of all, this is probably the most thought provoking book I've ever read.

The title of my review may suggest that this book is simple but thats just not the case. Its Sagan's quality as an amazing teacher, scientist and philosopher that makes this book so accessible, enjoyable and informing. Not only is it worded so eloquently but the book itself is expertly laid out. the chapters are very concise so you could pick it up, finish a chapter in maybe 10 - 15mins and then spend the next 4 hours dreaming about the marvels you've just read.

The only problem with the book is that this is the paperback version without any pictures. If possible I would strongly advise looking for the old hard back version of it as im sure this will have all the images Sagan refers too. this is however only a minor detail as Sagan's descriptions are so vivid and detailed that pictures are barely necessary.

To finish, If you are even remotely interested in space exploration, buy this book, immediatly. You'll never look back.

Flap copy

"FASCINATING . . . MEMORABLE . . . REVEALING . . . PERHAPS THE BEST OF CARL SAGAN'S BOOKS."
--The Washington Post Book World (front page review)
In Cosmos, the late astronomer Carl Sagan cast his gaze over the magnificent mystery of the Universe and made it accessible to millions of people around the world. Now in this stunning sequel, Carl Sagan completes his revolutionary journey through space and time.
Future generations will look back on our epoch as the time when the human race finally broke into a radically new frontier--space. In Pale Blue Dot Sagan traces the spellbinding history of our launch into the cosmos and assesses the future that looms before us as we move out into our own solar system and on to distant galaxies beyond. The exploration and eventual settlement of other worlds is neither a fantasy nor luxury, insists Sagan, but rather a necessary condition for the survival of the human race.
"TAKES READERS FAR BEYOND Cosmos . . . Sagan sees humanity's future in the stars."
--Chicago Tribune